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Vincent Kompany retirement: Will Belgium star quit after England World Cup clash?
VINCENT KOMPANY could retire from international football after England vs Belgium today.
Belgium centre-back Kompany has played for his country since 2004.
But the defender could hang up his international boots after the third-place game.
Kompany started for Belgium in a strong-looking XI set out by Roberto Martinez.
They lost 2-0 to France in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday night but took the lead against England in St Petersburg.
Kompany has not confirmed he will retire after the game today.
But he has certainly hinted at it in the past.
Chances are I’ll stop playing for the national team
Kompany retirement plan
The Manchester City defender has endured a string of injuries over the past few years.
And a number of those set-backs have come on international duty.
It led the centre-back to confirm late last year that he is contemplating international retirement.
“I won’t stop playing football after the World Cup, but chances are I’ll stop playing for the national team, and they know that too,” he told De Morgen.
“The more matches you play, the more you are away from home, the more you put your body under pressure, and the less chance you have to stay healthy.”
Kompany at Man City
There is no indication that Kompany is ready to throw the towel in at Manchester City, however.
The 32-year-old is into the last 12 months of his five-year contract signed at the Etihad in 2014.
Kompany remains a key component of Pep Guardiola’s first team, despite his bouts on the sidelines with injury.
He will definitely be part of the City squad for the 2018/19 campaign.
But whether or not Kompany stays at City next summer remains to be seen.